COVID-19 roundup for Friday, March 27 – Twelve new cases confirmed, one believed to potentially be first case of community transmission

New Brunswick – Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer for the province announced 12 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the total in the province to 45. Russell was also able to announce one previously identified case has fully recovered.

Eleven of the cases are travel related, and one is believed to be the first case of community transmission.

“Among the new cases I am announcing today is one that’s being investigated as a possible instance of community transmission,” said Russell. “A case that cannot be traced to an infection that occurred outside our province.”

The cases are as follows:

An individual aged 60-69, in Zone 1 (southeast)

An individual aged 70-79, in Zone 1 (southeast)

An individual aged 70-79, in Zone 1 (southeast)

An individual aged 30-39, in Zone 1 (southeast)

An individual aged 20-29, in Zone 2 (south)

An individual aged 30-39, in Zone 3 (central)

An individual aged up to 9, in Zone 3 (central)

An individual aged up to 9, in Zone 3 (central)

An individual aged 20-29, in Zone 4 (northwest)

An individual aged 30-39, in Zone 4 (northwest)

An individual aged 20-29, in Zone 4 (northwest)

An individual aged 20-29, in Zone 5 (north central)

“This is not unexpected,” said Russell on the jump in cases. “The return of large numbers of travellers to the province who are aware they are potential carriers of this virus has created the conditions for this increase in cases,” she added.

Russell stated with this new possible case of community transmission, changes to testing protocols will be forthcoming, starting with immediate testing of any healthcare working showing any signs. Russell also said any healthcare workers exhibiting any potential signs of the virus since March 20, 2020 must immediately self-isolate.

She again encouraged New Brunswickers to continue to use social distancing of a minimum of six feet, self-isolate for 14 days if you have returned to the province from any other location, wash your hand regularly, and cough into your elbow.

For the self assessment tool and all other information regarding COVID-19 in the province, go to www.gnb.ca/coronavirus

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